Don't Eat This Stuff Tonight
Megan O. Steintrager
You probably know of and have even tried a few aphrodisiac foods, but what about eats that squash your libido? Here are a few to steer clear of on Valentine’s Day, or anytime you’d rather stoke those romantic flames instead of tossing water on them.
Sausage and Cheese Pizza: Cheese, pizza, and sausage are three of the top food sources of saturated fat in the U.S., and not only does fatty food weigh you down and make you more sleepy than frisky, it clogs your arteries, which restricts blood flow not just to your heart, but to other key organs as well. If sharing a pie with your honey is your idea of romance, stick to one of our healthy pizza recipes.
Excess Salt: Another reason to steer clear of that sausage and cheese pizza: Eating too much salt can lead to high blood pressure, which in turn may cause erectile dysfunction. Ready to slash the sodium in your diet yet?
Certain Fish: The PCBs that can build up in some fish (especially larger, fatty ones) can slash sex drive, especially for women. Farmed salmon is of particular concern, so choose wild to get wild.
SEE MORE: All You Need to Know About Oysters
Concentrated Soy Products: While many nutrition experts tout the health benefits of edamame, tofu, and other soy products, some worry that the phytoestrogens in soy can lower testosterone levels and sex drive in men. While the truth of this claim is the subject of much debate, to play it safe, take it easy on the mega-doses of soy in powders, bars, and supplements.
Inulin: Over the past few years, companies have begun adding this natural ingredient derived from roots (generally chicory root) to pump up the fiber content of their products. What’s that got to do with your libido? “Of all the fibers added to foods, inulin is the one that probably causes the most intestinal gas,” Joanne Slavin, a professor of nutrition at the University of Minnesota, was quoted as saying last year in the Nutrition Action Health Letter. So, unless you want to ride the fart train with Liz Lemon, read the label on your yogurt containers and granola bars.
See more from Epicurious:
Acceptable Last-Minute V-Day Gifts
The WORST Foods to Eat on Valentine’s Day
10 Awesome Mail-Order Chocolates
